Emmanuel Macron has reportedly been offered a state visit, in a blow to Donald Trump, who has yet to visit since his second presidency began. The French president could meet with King Charles and Queen Camilla at the end of May, and while he has met them before, this would be his first state visit. The Princess of Wales will also attend, according to The Times, as she returns to public life after cancer treatment.
There is currently no more information on the details and timing of the visit, and only a few Government and royal officials know who has been invited. Mr Trump had a state visit during his first term in office, but it is not customary for a second to occur. Instead, tea or lunch with King Charles at Windsor Castle is more likely.
The US president said: “They’re going to do a second, as you know, a second fest… that’s what it is: a fest, and it’s beautiful, and it’s the first time it’s ever happened to one person.”
He added: “The reason is we have two separate terms, and it’s an honour … I’m a friend of Charles, I have great respect for King Charles and the family, William, we have really just a great respect for the family.”
Similarly to Mr Trump’s visit, Mr Macron’s time with the King is also expected to take place in Windsor Castle while Buckingham Palace is being renovated.
The outlet said the meeting with the French president is an attempt to negotiate closer trade ties with Europe amid Mr Trump’s ongoing trade war with countries worldwide.
The US president suggested that his meeting with the King was scheduled for September after being rescheduled during Sir Keir Starmer’s visit to Washington in February.
No date has been formalised yet, but September is reportedly one option British officials gave to the White House.
Mr Macron often speaks on the phone with the King and attended his coronation in 2023. He also supports his work regarding climate change and environmental campaigning.
Buckingham Palace has been contacted for comment.
